Advocate editorial board opinion: School bells ring in the students; be safe

Drivers in Victoria should be exceedingly aware that all public and private schools have reconvened classes as of Tuesday. Colleges will begin classes the week of Martin Luther King Jr. day, beginning Jan. 17.

That means a greater degree of danger exists for our students when they cross a street, ride a bicycle or drive a car.

Adults should be extra cautious in school zones. Slow down to the speed limit in school zones and keep your eyes on the road.

If you are traveling along a row of cars, take extra precautions to watch for children darting out into the streets between parked cars.

It only takes a couple of seconds to hit and hurt a child - or worse.

School children can be unpredictable, and as adults, we should be ready for that unpredictability.

Also, avoid u-turns. Backing up means visual contact with pedestrians is even harder.

Instead, drive on through zones and turn around in a safer area.

Remember, pedestrians have the right of way by Texas law.

If a student is in a crosswalk, the driver must yield and wait until the crosswalk is clear. Motorists also must yield to pedestrians when turning.

For the younger students, be sure you have your passengers buckled up properly before taking off - when driving to school and especially when picking your children up.

One of the most controversial issues nowadays is the use of cellphones and texting while driving.

We should remind you that it is against the law to use cellphones in school zones. Texting while driving is crazy. But texting in a school zone is both illegal and plain reckless.

Be safe for you and your children this spring semester.

If you think about what you are doing rather than what you are going to do, you will help to ensure your safety.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.